Principles
The Satanic Temple's Seven Fundamental Tenets
Seven official principles concerning compassion, justice, bodily autonomy, freedom, science, correction of mistakes and ethical interpretation.
- Tradition or school
- New Religious Movements , The Satanic Temple
- Framework type
- Principles
- Authority classification
- Denominational
- Observance
- Mixed requirements
- Research status
- Identified for research
- Origin period
- Twenty-first century
- Origin region
- United States
- Attributed origin
- The Satanic Temple
- Intended audience
- Members and supporters of The Satanic Temple
- Published constituent items
- 7
- Last reviewed
- 28 June 2027
Primary texts and authority
Seven official principles concerning compassion, justice, bodily autonomy, freedom, science, correction of mistakes and ethical interpretation.
Rules, principles or steps
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Compassion guided by reason
Act with compassion and empathy informed by reason.
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Pursuit of justice
Pursue justice even when laws or institutions obstruct it.
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Bodily autonomy
Treat each person's body as inviolable and subject to that person's will.
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Respect for the freedoms of others
Respect others' freedoms, including expression that may offend, without unjust encroachment.
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Beliefs should follow scientific understanding
Conform beliefs to the best evidence and never distort scientific facts to fit prior commitments.
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Correct mistakes and repair harm
Acknowledge fallibility, correct mistakes and address harms caused.
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Ethical spirit over rigid wording
Interpret the tenets through compassion, wisdom and justice rather than rigid literalism.
Historical development
The tenets belong to a modern non-theistic religious organisation and do not represent every form of Satanism.
Variations
Other Satanic organisations and independent Satanists use different texts, symbols and ethical systems.
Traditional interpretation
Seven official principles concerning compassion, justice, bodily autonomy, freedom, science, correction of mistakes and ethical interpretation.
Controversies and disputes
Flexible interpretation prevents rigid literalism but requires explicit reasons and accountability.
Truth By Reason analysis
The tenets strongly support compassion, evidence, autonomy and repair of harm. Difficult cases arise where autonomy, freedom, justice and the rights of others conflict.
Ethical themes
Sources
- The Satanic Temple — Seven Fundamental Tenets Primary source